Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) vs Apple M2 Max GPU

Updated Sep 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) is the better pick — it scores 42/100 to the Apple M2 Max GPU's 33, leading on Core Specifications and API Support. Choose the Apple M2 Max GPU instead if memory matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

  • Apple M2 Max GPU has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.
  • Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) has no published G3D Mark result, so it scores lower.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) leads Apple M2 Max GPU overall by 9 points (42 vs 33 out of 100).
  • Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) stands out on Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm (40% less), Memory Bandwidth: 460 GB/s (15% more), Memory Capacity: 36 GB (13% more).
Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) leads overall
Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)
42
Apple M2 Max GPU
33
Why it stands out
  • Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm (40% less)
  • Memory Bandwidth: 460 GB/s (15% more)
  • Memory Capacity: 36 GB (13% more)

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Sep 2026.

Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)

The Apple M4 Max is a System-on-a-chip manufactured by Apple Inc., part of the M4 series designed with an integrated graphics processing unit (GPU) [Source 1]. It features a high core count, supporting either 32 or 40 GPU cores [Source 1]. This chip is engineered for various computing applications and utilizes LPDDR5X unified memory [Source 1].

Best for High-performance computingBest for Applications requiring maximum GPU cores
Pros
  • Contains 32 or 40 GPU cores [Source 1]
  • The M4 Max supports up to 128GB of unified memory [Source 1]
  • Features an optimized NPU with a capability of 38 TOPS [Source 1]

Apple M2 Max GPU

The Apple M2 Max GPU is a high-performance integrated graphics processor built into the M2 Max system-on-a-chip, designed primarily for power-user notebooks and compact desktops. It features up to 38 GPU cores and delivers up to 13.6 TFLOPS of FP32 floating-point performance. Utilizing a unified design, it shares high-speed LPDDR5 system memory directly across the system to handle demanding visual workloads.

Best for On-the-go high-resolution video rendering and color gradingBest for Mobile 3D asset creation and complex visual effects work
Pros
  • Delivers high-end graphics performance with up to 38 GPU cores and 4864 arithmetic logic units
  • Provides up to 13.6 TFLOPS of single-precision floating-point capability
  • Features a dedicated 48 MB last-level cache to streamline data transfer and reduce latency
  • Leverages efficient unified memory access to eliminate traditional bottlenecks between CPU and graphics
Cons
  • Integrated system-on-a-package design prevents any post-purchase upgrades to GPU cores or memory
  • Provides lower performance limits than the desktop-focused M2 Ultra, which doubles the graphics hardware

Value for Money

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Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core)

Apple M2 Max GPU

Review Videos

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Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) vs Apple M2 Max GPU comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) rates higher at 41/100 versus 38/100 for Apple M2 Max GPU — a 3-point lead. Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.
Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) and Apple M2 Max GPU are compared side by side above across every spec in the gpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 41/100 for Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) and 38/100 for Apple M2 Max GPU.
If you want the higher-rated gpus option overall, Apple M4 Max GPU (40 Core) (41/100) edges out Apple M2 Max GPU (38/100). But if Apple M2 Max GPU is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.

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